Post-Bariatric Plastic Surgery

Whether you’ve had bariatric surgery or lost weight by other methods, losing a massive amount of weight can significantly transform your body. Your skin, though, may not bounce back and reflect the new you. Having post-bariatric plastic surgery to remove loose, hanging skin can be the finishing touch to your weight loss journey and help you more fully enjoy your healthy new lifestyle.*

Dr. David Dellinger has achieved board certifications in both plastic/reconstructive and general surgery, and has extensive experience performing body contouring plastic surgery procedures over his more than 20 years in practice. At Elysian Plastic Surgery, Dr. Dellinger works with men and women in the Austin area and throughout Texas who are interested in improving their appearance with body contouring surgery.

Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512-229-1978 to learn more your options for post-weight loss plastic surgery.

• An experienced board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Dellinger continues his training and education to keep up with the latest innovations in post-weight loss plastic surgery.
• At Elysian Plastic Surgery, you won’t be just another face. We strive to put you at ease, understand your concerns and develop the best treatment plan for you.
• Dr. Dellinger performs a full range of plastic surgery procedures for both face and body.

The best candidates for body contouring after weight loss are healthy men and women who have reached and maintained a healthy, goal weight and have loose, sagging skin. You may want to wait several months after having bariatric surgery or losing weight by diet and exercise to ensure that your weight has stabilized. Having body contouring surgery too early could affect results if you lose more weight.

Post-bariatric plastic surgery may be right for you if you’re bothered by the excess skin, concerned about how your clothing fits or experiencing chafing, infections or rashes because of the extra skin. You should also have realistic expectations about how body contouring after weight loss can reshape your body.

During your consultation, Dr. Dellinger will perform a physical examination and talk with you about your goals. Post-bariatric plastic surgery can be a custom combination of body contouring and breast enhancement procedures to remove the excess skin and best achieve the results you hope to see.

Your post-weight loss plastic surgery may include:

• A tummy tuck to eliminate hanging skin in the abdomen and tighten weakened abdominal muscles if needed.
• An arm lift or thigh lift to remove loose, sagging skin and extra fat and tighten the underlying tissue for smoother contours in the upper arms, thighs, hips and buttocks.*
• A breast lift can be performed to lift the breasts to a higher, more youthful position, remove extra skin and reshape the breast mound. A breast lift can be done with breast augmentation to restore lost volume with breast implants.
• Liposuction can be added to surgical procedures to fine tune your weight loss results and remove pockets of stubborn fat under the skin.

Your skin removal surgery may be performed under a local anesthesia with IV sedation or general anesthesia and may take several hours depending on your combination of procedures. After your surgery, you may have surgical drains and have to wear compression garments to help minimize swelling and support your skin.*

When you can go home and the length of your recovery can vary, though you should have a single recovery period. You may have some swelling, bruising and temporary numbness for the first week. Be sure to wear your compression garments as directed by Dr. Dellinger for the best results. You should start taking short, gentle walks around the house within the first week. You may feel up to returning to work after several days and may be able to drive after 2 to 3 weeks. You should avoid vigorous physical activities for 6 weeks.*

You should notice a change in your body right after post-bariatric plastic surgery. Your results should continue to improve with time as the swelling goes down. Your results may be long lasting if maintain a stable weight and don’t become pregnant.*

Does insurance cover post-bariatric plastic surgery?

For the majority of patients, procedures that are considered purely cosmetic are not covered by insurance, even with weight loss. However, if you experience side effects due to significant loose skin such as discomfort, rashes and infections, a portion of the cost may be covered.

Be sure to ask your insurance in detail about your policy and what it covers. If you need assistance financing your surgery, we offer financing options with affordable payment options.

How much does post-bariatric plastic surgery cost?

Post-bariatric plastic surgery is typically a combination of surgeries that are tailored to the patient’s needs. As each person is different and will require different treatment plans, so is the cost of post-bariatric plastic surgery.

Your surgery cost will depend on the types of procedures you choose to include in your surgery, and whether you have the procedures done all at once or in stages. Other cost-related factors include the practice’s location and the experience of your plastic surgeon.

At Elysian Plastic Surgery, we do our best to give you the most up-front and accurate estimate for your cost so that you plan ahead.

How do I know which procedures are best for me?

If you’re unsure about what post-weight loss procedures are right for you, that’s okay. Dr. Dellinger will examine your areas of concern during your consultation and develop a treatment plan to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

Some of the most common post-bariatric weight loss procedures include abdominoplasty, thigh lift, upper arm lift and neck lift. Women may wish to lift and restore lost volume with a breast lift and augmentation, while men may wish to reduce excess breast tissue with breast reduction.

Dr. Dellinger will create a custom treatment plan to target your goals.

What can I expect after my post-bariatric plastic surgery?

Post-bariatric plastic surgery can put the finishing touches on your new body. While the recovery is a bit more involved, the final results are well worth it. The amount of downtime you’ll need to heal is dependent on your procedures. Once you’ve fully recovered, you can enjoy your new figure.

With your excess skin removed and your body contours more defined, you should be able to move more comfortably, feel more confident and fit better in your clothing.

How long will my results last?

After you’ve recovered from your surgery, your results should be long-lasting. While plastic surgery can’t stop the natural aging process, continuing to follow a healthy lifestyle will help you maintain the results you love.

Can I have children after my post-bariatric plastic surgery?

Your plastic surgery should not affect your ability to have children. However, gaining weight, including pregnancy, can undo your results. If you choose to have children after your post-bariatric surgery, revision surgery may be needed to restore your initial results.

When should I schedule my after weight loss plastic surgery?

The best time to schedule your post-bariatric plastic surgery is when you’re with 20 pounds of your goal weight. If you’re trying to have insurance cover part of the cost, your insurance company will want you to have achieved your goal weight and maintained it for at least a few months before considering any coverage. You can also ask your bariatric surgeon if your weight and health are stable enough to consider plastic surgery. Of course should also have your healthy habits established, as this can help support your recovery and results.

To schedule your post-bariatric plastic surgery consultation, please call our Austin plastic surgery practice at 512-229-1978 or request a consultation online.

*This information is for education only, and is not meant as a guarantee of results. Your results may vary.